How To Entertain In Style & Impress Your Guests

Posted by The Canningvale Team
on
March 27, 2018

Are you looking to up your hosting game this year? Whether
you’re planning a dinner party, family get together, or afternoon of drinks and
canapes, these tips will help you do just that. As well as allowing you to
thoroughly impress your guests, these handy hints will leave you with more time
to enjoy your own event. We call that a win-win.

Preparation

Benjamin Franklin knew what he was on about when he said “By
failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” While this trusted adage is
usually applied to exams and business ventures, it applies equally well to
events.

Your preparation will look slightly different depending on
the kind of event you’re hosting, but the key components – guests, space, and
catering - will remain the same.

Unless you’re holding an event of mammoth proportions, the
guest list should be relatively easy. If you’re struggling to work out whether
or not to include a few extras, let your space and the kind of event guide you.
If you’re hosting a sit down dinner party in your two-bedroom apartment,
chances are your dining room table will keep the numbers in single digits; if
you’ve volunteered your big backyard for the annual neighbourhood BBQ, you can
probably fit more in.

When it comes to spaces, consider the ways your guests are likely
to move around your home. For example, while the dining room is the obvious
focal point for a dinner party, might it be nicer for guests to enjoy
pre-dinner drinks on the balcony or in the backyard? Also remember that your
guests are likely to come into the kitchen and guaranteed to use the bathroom:
give these areas a clean before the event and ensure they’re stocked with all
the necessities, such as ample hand wash, fresh
hand
towels
, and spare tea
towels
.

Well-planned catering is often the difference between a good
event and a great one, so don’t be afraid to spend a solid amount of time
considering the menu. Think about how well your offerings complement each
other, whether the food matches the setting (e.g. if your guests won’t be
seated at a table, go for finger food over meals that necessitate knives and
forks), if there are any dietary requirements you need to cater to, and how
much of the food can be prepared ahead of time. Slow-cooked dishes that bubble
away on the stove or items which can be reheated in the oven just prior to
serving allow you to spend more time enjoying yourself with your guests: they
also mean slightly less washing up.

Details

Thoughtful details elevate any event and are almost
guaranteed to get people talking. Light some
scented candles in
the bathroom, string some fairy lights up in the backyard, place some fresh
flowers at the entry or as a table centrepiece.

When it comes to music, start with it louder and decrease
the volume as guests arrive. Most people tend to do the opposite, thinking it
will build a buzz but, in reality, it just means people wind up shouting over
each other in an effort to be heard.

The other place to get detail-oriented is the presentation
of your food and drinks. Make a noteworthy cheeseboard, have pretty cocktails
ready to serve as your guests arrive, and get out your good wine glasses or
favourite decanter. In short, let your creativity shine and Pinterest be your
guide.

Outsource

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all these suggestions,
remember that you don’t need to take care of every single thing yourself. Hire
a cleaner for the pre-party once-over, purchase dessert from your local bakery,
or accept guests’ offers to contribute to the event. Taking the pressure off
will leave you more relaxed and – possibly – reduce the chance of mishaps or
overlooked tasks.

Over-cater

The final guideline for memorable events is to
prioritise abundance. We’re not saying you should have 20 steaks for 12 guests
or provide a bottle of wine for each person, but it’s always a good idea to
have slightly more than you think you’ll need. You never know whether an extra
person might change their RSVP at the last minute or whether the long,
lingering nature of a good dinner party will result in people going back for
seconds and thirds, or suggesting another bottle of red might go down
wonderfully.